If you’re craving a treat that feels indulgent yet sneaks in some greens, you’ve come to the right place. This Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe is a delightful way to combine rich, chocolatey flavor with the subtle earthiness and nutrition of fresh spinach. The bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, while the cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips bring a deep, luxurious chocolate experience in every bite. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even a guilt-free dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential for creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each plays its role in making your muffins moist, tender, and packed with chocolate goodness.
- Very ripe bananas: Naturally sweeten and keep the muffins moist while adding a gentle fruity undertone.
- Baby spinach: Sneaks in vibrant color and nutrients without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
- Milk (almond or regular): Helps blend everything smoothly and adds a hint of creaminess.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure to the muffins.
- Sugar: Enhances sweetness and balances the bitterness of cocoa.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Greek yogurt (full fat): Keeps muffins tender, moist, and adds a slight tang.
- Oil: Contributes to softness and richness.
- White whole wheat flour: Offers a wholesome, nutty flavor and a light texture.
- Baking soda: Leavens the muffins, ensuring they rise perfectly.
- Cocoa powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor and that beautiful dark color.
- Sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate notes.
- Dark chocolate chips: Bring bursts of melty chocolate magic in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 350°F to make sure it’s nice and hot before the muffins go in. Line a 12-muffin pan with liners, so your muffins come out easily without sticking.
Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a powerful blender, combine the milk, ripe bananas, and baby spinach. Blend until mostly smooth — it’s okay if there are a few small lumps. This mixture gives your muffins natural sweetness, moisture, and that secret veggie boost.
Step 3: Mix in the Remaining Wet Ingredients
Pour the banana-spinach blend into a large bowl. Lightly whisk in the egg, followed by the sugar, vanilla, oil, and Greek yogurt. Stir gently to combine everything into a cohesive, velvety batter.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the white whole wheat flour, baking soda, sea salt, and rich cocoa powder. Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, folding them in carefully so you don’t overmix. Finally, stir in the dark chocolate chips, saving a few to sprinkle on top.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin pan, filling each liner about 3/4 full. Add a few extra chocolate chips on top for an irresistible finish. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let your Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe cool for several minutes before serving. This step helps them set and makes them easier to remove from the liners. Get ready for a warm, chocolatey bite with a sneak of green goodness!
How to Serve Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar instantly adds a touch of elegance and a bit of sweetness to your muffins. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream makes these muffins feel even more like a decadent treat.
Side Dishes
Serve these muffins alongside fresh fruit like berries or a small bowl of yogurt for a balanced breakfast. For a cozy afternoon snack, pair them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite nut milk latte.
Creative Ways to Present
Make these muffins the star of a brunch spread by arranging them on a beautiful platter with mixed nuts, sliced cheeses, and fresh herbs. You can also slice them in half and spread a bit of almond butter or cream cheese for an extra twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain their softness and prevents them from drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap or in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator when you want a quick grab-and-go treat.
Reheating
Warm your muffins in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes. This brings back their fresh-baked warmth and gooey chocolate charm.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of white whole wheat?
Yes! You can swap in all-purpose flour if you prefer a lighter texture, though white whole wheat offers a nuttier flavor and added fiber that complements the spinach beautifully.
Do the spinach leaves affect the taste much?
Not at all. The spinach adds color, moisture, and nutrients without making the muffins taste “green.” The chocolate and banana flavors dominate, making it a clever way to sneak in some veggies.
Is it possible to make these muffins vegan?
Absolutely! Use a flax egg or mashed banana instead of the egg, dairy-free yogurt, and plant-based milk. The oil and sugar remain the same. Your muffins might be a touch denser but still delicious.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas with yellow skins speckled with brown spots. This ensures they’re sweet and soft for blending into your batter perfectly.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries can add delightful texture and flavor. Just fold them in along with the chocolate chips before baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe—it’s like a warm hug in muffin form, combining wholesome ingredients without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re feeding kids, impressing guests, or treating yourself, these muffins bring joy with every bite. Give them a try and enjoy the magical marriage of chocolate and greens that just might become your new favorite!
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Chocolate Spinach Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and nutritious Chocolate Spinach Muffins that combine ripe bananas and spinach for a healthy twist on a classic treat. These moist, chocolatey muffins are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a guilt-free dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 very ripe bananas
- 2 large handfuls baby spinach
- 3 tablespoons milk (almond milk or regular)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup full fat Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons oil
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup white whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ⅔ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Add-Ins
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the muffins.
- Blend wet mixture: Combine the milk, ripe bananas, and baby spinach in a high-powered blender. Blend until the mixture is mostly smooth but still allows for a few small lumps. Transfer this mixture to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix wet ingredients: Add the egg to the bowl and lightly whisk it in. Then stir in sugar, vanilla extract, oil, and Greek yogurt until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate small bowl, combine the white whole wheat flour, baking soda, sea salt, and cocoa powder. Stir the mixture so the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Incorporate dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, folding gently to combine without overmixing. Then fold in the chocolate chips, saving some to sprinkle on top if desired.
- Prepare muffin pan: Line a 12-cup muffin pan with muffin liners. Scoop the batter evenly into each muffin cup. Optionally, sprinkle remaining chocolate chips on top of each muffin.
- Bake the muffins: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool before serving: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool for several minutes before serving. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle.
Notes
- Using very ripe bananas enhances sweetness and banana flavor.
- Baby spinach is mild in flavor and adds nutrients without overpowering the chocolate.
- You can substitute almond milk or regular milk according to preference or dietary needs.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to keep muffins tender.
- These muffins freeze well; store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Adjust sugar quantity if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet muffin.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American